Fun fact: The skin is the largest organ of the body.
It is responsible for protecting you, regulating your temperature, and it is indicative of what you put both on and in your body. But when it comes to skincare, how do you know exactly what you’re using and how it can benefit (or harm) you?
I spent the better part of my 20’s and early 30’vs exhaustively researching makeup and skincare products to verify that I was supporting natural and ethically responsible companies whenever possible. Here are some helpful tips when looking at your skincare product labels: Ingredients and Preservatives Certain natural ingredients may look complicated but often have their common name in parentheses. Usually a Latin qualifier such as “radix,” “fructus” or “rhizoma” is contained in the name. Infinity Apothecary’s Moisturizing Veritas Serums contain Glycyrrhizae Radix extract which is noted on the label as “Glycyrrhizae Radix (Licorice root) extract.” Other examples are “Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera),” and “Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Extract.”
cellular mutations. It also has a detrimental environmental impact on ocean wildlife. Badger SPF 30 Unscented Sunscreen contains zinc oxide, a natural alternative that provides a barrier to UV rays while carrying a significantly lower risk of absorption and cellular reaction. As an added bonus, it is also biodegradable.
Preservatives are necessary to prevent microbial growth. Microbes - harmful bacteria and fungi - can not only ruin shelf life; they can also cause illnesses or skin reactions. However, several companies manufacture preservatives derived from sources such as radishes, elderberries and kimchee. They are all natural and they ward off unwanted microbial growth while still being gentle on skin. Look for preservatives that are ECOCERT approved. Preservatives to avoid include all parabens, Chemicals to avoid often contain which mimic the behavior of the phrases and/or numbers, such as hormone estrogen, and triethanol“poly-, “propyl-“ “peg-100,” “phe- amine, which is used to adjust pH nol-” or “benzo-.” One exam- but can cause allergic reactions. ple is propylene glycol, a petroleum-based chemical also found in Ask questions + access antifreeze that acts as a neurotox- available resources in. Another is oxybenzone, which Manufacturers should be able to is used as a sunblock. Among its answer exactly why they’ve formuharmful qualities, it can accumu- lated a product the way they have late in the body over time, causing without giving away trade secrets.
If you can’t get answers from the manufacturer, one of the best ways to determine an ingredient is to research it. A basic explanation or simple chemical analysis should come up right away, but make sure to check reliable resources. The Environmental Working Group has a site called Skin Deep [ewg.org/ skindeep] that also has a mobile app. It has a great deal of information, from which ingredients to avoid to how different ingredients affect the various body systems, and the risk level of each. PETA [peta.org] has a fantastic resource for finding companies that are cruelty free. It has lists of both companies that do and do not test on animals, so you can cross reference if you don’t see the company you’re looking for. We all want radiant skin, and the best way to do that is to nourish it with natural products free from synthetic chemicals. Here’s to happy, healthy complexions and a vibrant holiday season!